"I only came to deliver my parents' gift to your family. I wasn't planning to stay for dinner.
"Besides, I have somewhere to be. Enjoy your meal."
Patrick looked at me like I was a stranger.
I didn't bother with him. I turned and walked away without looking back.
Effie nestled into Patrick's arms, eyes rimmed red.
"What could be so urgent that she had to leave like that? Does she just... hate me that much? Is that why she wouldn't stay?"
Patrick watched my car pull away, a slight frown creasing his brow.
"Don't take it to heart. A few years studying abroad, and she's gotten a little more sophisticated with her jealousy tactics, that's all."
Effie bit her lip. "You're right. She's learned how to play hard to get now. Sometimes I'm scared that one day you might actually..."
Patrick stroked her hair. "I told you. You're the only one I want."
The truth was, I really did have somewhere to be.
A classmate and I had co-founded a tech startup. There was always something that needed handling. Tonight, I had a dinner meeting with a client.
My business partner texted me:
Heard you're back in the country. Got a BIG surprise for you~
I fired off a quick reply and didn't think much of it.